A massive wave of golden light erupted from the magic circle, forming a gigantic wall of radiance around the World Tree.
The luminous barrier rose steadily from the base of the colossal trunk, expanding upward as it enveloped the enormous tree. Golden light illuminated the burning branches, climbing higher and higher toward the crimson sky.
Watching that Lyria felt a flicker of hope.
'It's working...!'
CRUSH!
SPLATTER!
Red blood splattered across the magic circle.
The golden wall of light continued rising, but its ascent suddenly halted. The radiant barrier flickered.
Then, to Lyria's horror, it began descending, slowly dissolving into golden particles until nothing remained.
"LYRIA!!!"
She heard Damien, Brandon, and Caelthas shout her name simultaneously. In the next instant, all three vanished from their positions, rushing toward the center of the magic circle.
But they were already too late. Lyria's vision blurred as she felt something cold piercing through her abdomen.
